NC Mail Ballot Rejections Rise Slightly

Hand inserting mail-in ballot envelope into drop box — Photo: Anna Hoychuk / Shutterstock

North Carolina’s new mail voting rules raised absentee ballot spoilage to about 3.1% so far, but not to double 2022 levels as the governor claimed.

Story Snapshot

Preliminary spoilage is 3.1%, slightly above 2.6% at this point in 2022, not double.
New rules require a sealed inner envelope and signature checks, upheld by a federal judge.
Governor Josh Stein blamed the rules and urged in‑person voting; the board called it a slight rise.
Small rule shifts can fuel big claims when data is early and cures are pending.

What North Carolina’s Early Numbers Actually Show

State election data show a preliminary absentee spoilage rate of about 3.1%, compared with 2.6% at the same point in 2022. A spokesperson for the North Carolina State Board of Elections described the change as a slight increase. These figures do not support a claim that the statewide rate has doubled. The numbers are early and can change as counties process ballots and voters cure mistakes, but current statewide data point to a modest rise.

Democracy advocacy outlets and some commentators highlighted county-level figures and warned of large impacts, but their summaries also cited rates around three percent. Those rates align with the statewide estimate. They do not match a doubling from 2022 statewide levels. Early comparisons can be tricky because different counties move at different speeds. State-level snapshots are the best guide to the broad picture at this stage.

The Rule Changes Driving Spoilage Concerns

The State Board of Elections adopted new guidance in September that tightened mail ballot procedures. Counties must verify the voter’s signature and reject ballots that arrive without a sealed inner envelope. These steps replace some past practices that allowed more curing. A federal judge allowed the rules to take effect, citing the clear instructions to voters and the timing of the suit close to the election under the Purcell principle.

The court’s order explained that election officials should disqualify ballots that do not meet the sealing requirement and should conduct signature verification. The ruling emphasized that changing rules again, this close to voting, could disrupt election administration. Supporters of the rules argue they protect integrity. Critics warn they raise barriers that can trip up lawful voters, especially older and new-by-mail voters, and reduce their chance to fix errors.

Why Small Percentage Shifts Create Big Fights

Mail ballot rejection debates often flare when rule changes meet incomplete data. Early “spoilage” counts mix ballots that are finally rejected with ballots that voters later cure. Academic reviews show that many signature issues get cured before results are certified. National research found North Carolina’s overall mail ballot rejection rate has sat near the national average in recent cycles, and that categories can shift with rule changes.

NEW: Following the GOP's new restrictions on mail voting, this year's rejection rate of absentee ballots in North Carolina is now sitting at 3.2%.

And as the election approaches, there is less and less time for counties to notify voters to cure spoiled ballots.…

— Democracy Docket (@DemocracyDocket) October 21, 2026

Governor Josh Stein blamed the board’s last-minute changes and said the rejection rate was twice 2022. The State Board’s spokesman did not back that claim and instead cited only a slight rise. That gap shows a larger trend that frustrates voters across parties: leaders rush to spin partial data while the system struggles to deliver clear, timely, and trusted information. The result is more doubt and more anger at a government many view as unresponsive.

What Voters Can Do Right Now

Voters who choose mail voting should follow the state’s checklist closely. Sign the envelope where directed. Seal the inner envelope fully. Return the ballot early to allow time to fix any issues. Call your county board if you get a notice about a problem. Voters who want to avoid mail rules can vote early in person or on Election Day. These simple steps reduce the chance a valid vote will be set aside under the new rules.